Hebrews 4:14-16
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The phrase "passed through the heavens" isn't just about Jesus ascending; it's a profound echo of the earthly high priest's journey through the Holy Place to the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. This highlights that Jesus didn't just enter heaven, but actively passed through all heavenly realms to stand in God's very presence with the power of His own sacrifice, securing our ultimate rest.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is building on previous arguments about Jesus' superiority to Old Testament figures and His divine authority. Having just warned about the powerful and penetrating nature of God's Word, the passage now pivots to encourage believers by highlighting Jesus' unique role as their great High Priest who has already entered the heavenly sanctuary. This introduction of Christ's priestly function sets the stage for explaining how He can sympathize with human weakness and offer effective atonement, contrasting Him with the Levitical priests.
The verse mentions Jesus 'passed through the heavens.' What does this incredible journey signify for us today?
When Hebrews says Jesus 'passed through the heavens,' it's not just a description of His ascension. Think of the earthly high priest on the Day of Atonement, who would enter the Holy of Holies, the most sacred space. Jesus, our Great High Priest, has gone through all the heavenly realms, beyond any veil, to the very presence of God.
This wasn't a one-time trip for Him; it was a definitive act that secured our access. He didn't just visit; He passed through, opening the way for us to approach God with confidence. He's already gone where we hope to go and has established our eternal standing there.
Why is Jesus called a 'great' high priest, and what does that mean for His ministry to us?
The title 'great high priest' for Jesus sets Him apart from all others. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were human, flawed, and needed to offer sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus is divine and perfect. He is the 'Son of God,' a unique and eternal relationship that elevates Him far above any earthly priest.
This 'greatness' means He perfectly fulfills the role of mediator. He understands our weaknesses because He experienced them (Hebrews 4:15), yet He is without sin. His sacrifice was once for all, completely effective, and His intercession is ongoing and powerful. He doesn't just represent us; He is uniquely qualified and authorized to bring us to God.
Ask a follow-up
With such a perfect High Priest, why does the verse urge us to 'hold fast our confession'?
Knowing we have Jesus, the great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, isn't a passive comfort; it's a powerful motivation for action. The word 'therefore' connects this truth directly to the command: 'let us hold fast our confession.'
This means we are called to persevere in our faith and our public declaration of it. It’s about faithfulness, especially when facing challenges or doubts. Our confidence in Christ’s completed work and His ongoing ministry encourages us to remain steadfast, not wavering in our commitment or retracting our confession of Him as Lord and Savior. It's an invitation to lean into the reality of our secure standing through Him.
Understand the original words
homologia · Greek Noun
The formal declaration of faith; the public acknowledgement and commitment to the truth of the Gospel.
sympatheō · Greek Verb
The act of identifying with another's suffering or state; implies having compassion and being able to empathize based on shared experience.
astheneia · Greek Noun
Moral, physical, or spiritual limitations and frailties inherent in human nature; often used in the context of our dependence on God's grace.
peirazō · Greek Verb
Any solicitation, test, or enticement to act in opposition to God's moral will.
hamartia · Greek Noun
A transgression or missing the mark; the condition or act of failing to live in accordance with God's holy standard.
parrhesia · Greek Noun
The quality of being bold, courageous, or outspoken; in a theological context, it refers to the freedom of speech and boldness believers have in prayer because of Christ's finished work.
proserchometha · Greek Verb
To approach or move toward someone or something; in worship, it signifies entering into God's presence, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
thronon · Greek Noun
The royal seat of God; it represents His sovereign authority, ruling power, and the place from which He governs the universe and dispenses His divine favor.
charitos · Greek Noun
God’s unmerited favor toward the undeserving; it is the active power of God that enables, sustains, and transforms the believer, separate from human merit.
eleos · Greek Noun
Compassion or kindness shown toward someone who is in a miserable or needy state, specifically the withholding of the judgment that is deserved.
eukairon · Greek Adjective
The appropriate or opportune time for something to occur; in a spiritual sense, it refers to the critical moments when a believer is faced with struggle or temptation and requires divine intervention.
The profound transition from the earthly Levitical priesthood and temple sacrifices to Christ's unique, heavenly priesthood highlights the inadequacy of the old system in light of God's ultimate plan. This context is crucial for understanding why believers are urged to 'hold fast' to their confession of faith in Jesus, the Son of God, who has already entered the very presence of God.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and Sinai Covenant
The Israelites are delivered from Egypt and enter into a covenant with God at Mount Sinai, establishing their identity as God's chosen people and initiating their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 950 BC
Dedication of Solomon's Temple
Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, serving as the central place of worship and sacrifice for Israel. This magnificent structure symbolizes God's dwelling among His people.
587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, leading to the exile of most of the Jewish population. This event marks a profound crisis of faith and national identity.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Temple
The Second Temple is completed in Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, following the return of some Jewish exiles from Babylon. This signifies a partial restoration of worship, though under foreign rule.
c. 37 BC
Herod the Great Rebuilds the Temple
King Herod the Great begins a massive renovation and expansion of the Second Temple, aiming to create a structure of unparalleled grandeur. This ongoing project is a significant feature of Judean life during Jesus' earthly ministry.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and then resurrected, events central to Christian faith. His ascension into heaven follows, signifying the inauguration of a new covenant and the completion of His earthly mission.
c. AD 64-67
Writing of the Book of Hebrews
The author, likely an associate of Paul, writes the Epistle to the Hebrews. The letter addresses Jewish Christians facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ.
This passage describes the Old Testament high priest entering the Most Holy Place with blood, mirroring Jesus' ultimate entry into heaven with His own blood.
Psalm 110:4This prophetic psalm speaks of a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, directly foreshadowing Jesus' eternal priestly role described in Hebrews.
John 14:2-3Jesus Himself speaks of preparing a place for His followers in His Father's house, echoing the concept of His heavenly high priestly work making way for us.
Romans 8:34This verse highlights Jesus' role as intercessor at God's right hand, emphasizing His active, continuous high priestly ministry on behalf of believers.
1 Timothy 2:5This passage affirms there is one mediator between God and humanity, Jesus Christ, underscoring the singular and supreme nature of His high priestly office.
wesleyHebrews 4:14: "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."
4:14 Having therefore a great high priest - Great indeed, being the eternal Son of God, that is passed through the heavens - As the Jewish high priest passed through the veil into the holy of holies, carrying with him the blood of the sacrifices, on the yearly day of atonement; so our great high priest went once for all through the visible heavens…
ellicottHebrews 4:14: "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."
(14) All the chief points of the earlier chapters are brought together in this verse and the next:—the High Priest ( Hebrews 2:17 ; Hebrews 3:1 ); His exaltation ( Hebrews 1:3-4 ; Hebrews 1:13 ; Hebrews 2:9 ); His divine Sonship (Hebrews 1; Hebrews 3:6 ); His compassion towards the brethren whose lot He came to share ( Hebrews 2:11-18 ). That is p…
The phrase "passed through the heavens" isn't just about Jesus ascending; it's a profound echo of the earthly high priest's journey through the Holy Place to the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. This highlights that Jesus didn't just enter heaven, but actively passed through all heavenly realms to stand in God's very presence with the power of His own sacrifice, securing our ultimate rest.
The author is building on previous arguments about Jesus' superiority to Old Testament figures and His divine authority. Having just warned about the powerful and penetrating nature of God's Word, the passage now pivots to encourage believers by highlighting Jesus' unique role as their great High Priest who has already entered the heavenly sanctuary. This introduction of Christ's priestly function sets the stage for explaining how He can sympathize with human weakness and offer effective atonement, contrasting Him with the Levitical priests.
The author is building on previous arguments about Jesus' superiority to Old Testament figures and His divine authority. Having just warned about the powerful and penetrating nature of God's Word, the passage now pivots to encourage believers by highlighting Jesus' unique role as their great High Priest who has already entered the heavenly sanctuary. This introduction of Christ's priestly function sets the stage for explaining how He can sympathize with human weakness and offer effective atonement, contrasting Him with the Levitical priests.
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respe…" — The phrase "passed through the heavens" isn't just about Jesus ascending; it's a profound echo of the earthly high priest's journey through the Holy Place to the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonemen…
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Last reviewed October 2026
